What Bailiff" s In The Uk Can And Can"t Do
If you are under the impression that a Bailiff is coming to your home, you do have some rights. If your doors and windows are locked, they cannot enter your house. They will need your permission to enter, if however a door or window is unlocked, they do not need your permission, and they can climb through an open window for example. Once they are inside they can then force themselves into other rooms in the house, even if those doors are locked. Remember that if you do refuse them entry, they will return and the problem will not go away, also once the bailiff enters your home peacefully, they can return at a later date and enter your home without your permission and force entry into other parts of your home or property. You need to seek advice from a qualified agency.
Once they have entry, they cannot remove items that are necessary for day to day living and they must leave your premises secure. A bailiff acting under a county court judgement cannot take clothing, bedding, furniture required to live, also they cannot take books, tools vehicles etc. that are necessary for employment. A bailiff acting under a VAT or Poll Tax order might be able to.
No bailiff can remove articles that belong to another person, however if an article is partly owned by the person named in the warrant, they are able to remove it. All goods seized by a bailiff must be put to auction and they are under legal obligation to get the best possible price for them. This does not mean that the articles will sell for what they are worth, they are used articles and will, in all likelihood sell for a fraction of their true value.
A bailiff cannot threaten you or act belligerent towards you. If they do, you can contact the creditor or court that sent them. They cannot break into your home however they can enter through an unlocked door or open window, if you are thinking a bailiff might be coming then you should keep all doors and windows locked. If served by a bailiff contact your CAB for help and advice. Try and have a second party there so that they can witness any behaviour or words said that may be offensive or threatening. Most bailiffs will not act this way but some may try to intimidate.
Once they have entry, they cannot remove items that are necessary for day to day living and they must leave your premises secure. A bailiff acting under a county court judgement cannot take clothing, bedding, furniture required to live, also they cannot take books, tools vehicles etc. that are necessary for employment. A bailiff acting under a VAT or Poll Tax order might be able to.
No bailiff can remove articles that belong to another person, however if an article is partly owned by the person named in the warrant, they are able to remove it. All goods seized by a bailiff must be put to auction and they are under legal obligation to get the best possible price for them. This does not mean that the articles will sell for what they are worth, they are used articles and will, in all likelihood sell for a fraction of their true value.
A bailiff cannot threaten you or act belligerent towards you. If they do, you can contact the creditor or court that sent them. They cannot break into your home however they can enter through an unlocked door or open window, if you are thinking a bailiff might be coming then you should keep all doors and windows locked. If served by a bailiff contact your CAB for help and advice. Try and have a second party there so that they can witness any behaviour or words said that may be offensive or threatening. Most bailiffs will not act this way but some may try to intimidate.
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